Family has been after me to get a generator for power outages for years. The ice storm the last few days has brought the subject up yet again. Lucky we did not lose power.
My problem I cant get past in buying one is NOT USING an inverter generator but just a regular generator and the problem it may cause with electronics (total harmonic distortion ). Im a little confused because people power their home with one all the time but seems like EVERYTHING in the home is electronic. The refrigerator, microwave, TV etc... Seems kinda like buying car tires that cant be used on pavement.
When I start looking at inverter generators the cost starts getting up there to the point Im not sure I want to invest that much. I live close to town and if our electric goes off, it is often no more than 2 or 3 hours. And that may be only once a year if that.
Guess I m just looking for a little guidance what you have done and is the problem with electronics over exaggerated. Does a whole house surge protector help with this. Is there a way to protect you electronics when using the generator?
I am doing my research first but do plan to have an electrician experienced in generator install do the work.
This is the kind of generator I had my eye on. Maybe I can get by with a lesser one. Not sure. My brother owns a Champion brand for camping and it has been flawless in operation.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...9500/306545963
They make one that only had like 5% THD but now your talking close to $3000.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...00DF/310741097